Take Courage

Cross Cultural Risk Taking

Something to Think About

Both my wife and I read a lot. I mean that seriously, we read a lot. Earlier this morning she read something that had to do with culture that she thought I might like. We both study culture and how to best communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ where we live. But for us, we want to be in the world, but not of the world (1 Corinthians 5-6).  We want to live in such a way that people will ask us the reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). I will write more on my views on culture and Kingdom living in the coming weeks. For now, I hope the following quote will spur your thinking.

Stay faithful and hopeful,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Psalm 50:23

Community of Light

During a riot at Washington, DC’s Lorton prison complex, inmates torched several buildings; armed, menacing gangs roamed the grounds. But in the main prison yard a group of Christian inmates stood in a huge circle, arms linked, singing hymns. Their circle surrounded a group of guards and prisoners who had sought protection from the rioting inmates. These Christians were a community of light, and lives were saved.

In prison, the contrast is sharp between dark and light. Choices for Christian inmates are usually clear-cut. Yet most of us in the mainstream of Western culture live in shades of gray. It’s comfortable to adopt the surrounding cultural values. Yet stand apart we must.

For as the church maintains its independence from culture, it is best able to affect culture. When the Church serves as the Church, in firm allegiance to the unseen Kingdom of God, God uses it in this world: first, as a model of the values of His Kingdom, and second, as His missionary culture. – Charles Colson, as quoted in God’s Treasury of Virtues, Honor Books, Inc. 1995. p. 249.